The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report reflect our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: our financial position, sales and operating results; our business plans, strategies, investments and objectives; general economic and industry trends; our business prospects; our reputation and brand; our product technology; future product development and introduction; growth and expansion opportunities, including expansion in existing markets and into new markets; our sales channels and omnichannel strategy; legal proceedings; changes in laws and regulations; future payments under our Tax Receivable Agreement; our customer base; our supply chain and global distribution network; our information technology; our employees and culture; our operational capabilities; interest rate derivatives; and our expenses, inventory levels, other working capital, indebtedness and liquidity. Forward-looking statements are predictions based upon assumptions that may not prove to be accurate, and they are not guarantees of future performance. As such, you should not place significant reliance on our forward-looking statements. Neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements, including any such statements taken from third party industry and market reports.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, inherent uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict which may cause our actual results, performance, time frames or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, time frames or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following:
•competition in the beauty industry;
•our ability to effectively maintain and promote a positive brand image, expand our brand awareness and maintain consumer confidence in the quality, safety and efficacy of our products;
•our ability to anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences and execute on our growth strategies and expansion opportunities, including with respect to new product introductions;
•our ability to accurately forecast customer and consumer demand for our products;
•our dependence on the success of our long-term strategic plan;
•our ability to limit the illegal distribution and sale by third parties of counterfeit versions of our products or the unauthorized diversion by third parties of our products;
•our dependence on a limited number of customers for a large portion of our net sales;
•our ability to develop, manufacture and effectively and profitably market and sell future products;
•our ability to attract new customers and consumers and encourage consumer spending across our product portfolio;
•our ability to successfully implement new or additional marketing efforts;
•our relationships with and the performance of our suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers and our ability to manage our supply chain;
•impacts on our business from political, regulatory, economic, trade and other risks associated with operating internationally;
•our ability to manage our executive leadership changes and to attract and retain senior management and other qualified personnel;
•our reliance on our and our third-party service providers’ information technology;
•our ability to maintain the security of confidential information;
•our ability to establish and maintain intellectual property protection for our products, as well as our ability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others;
•the outcome of litigation and regulatory proceedings;
•the impact of changes in federal, state and international laws, regulations and administrative policy;
•our existing and any future indebtedness, including our ability to comply with affirmative and negative covenants under the 2022 Credit Agreement;
•our ability to service our existing indebtedness and obtain additional capital to finance operations and our growth opportunities;
•volatility of our stock price;
•our “controlled company” status and the influence of investment funds affiliated with Advent International, L.P. over us;
•the impact of an economic downturn and inflationary pressures on our business;
•fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
•changes in our tax rates and our exposure to tax liability; and
•the other factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”) and in other documents that we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
Many of these factors are macroeconomic in nature and are, therefore, beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in this Quarterly Report as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail in the “Risk Factors” section of our 2023 Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report are made only as of the date hereof. Unless required by law, we neither intend nor assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Quarterly Report to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations or otherwise.
(amounts in thousands, except per share and share data)
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
538,829
$
466,400
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $21,309 and $21,465
34,886
40,921
Inventory
85,907
95,922
Other current assets
10,090
9,953
Total current assets
669,712
613,196
Property and equipment, net
1,238
930
Intangible assets, net
911,477
947,714
Goodwill
168,300
168,300
Other assets
8,430
10,198
Total assets
$
1,759,157
$
1,740,338
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
11,356
$
7,073
Sales and income taxes payable
5,654
9,067
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
19,797
20,576
Current portion of long-term debt
6,750
6,750
Current portion of Related Party payable pursuant to Tax Receivable Agreement
13,006
12,675
Total current liabilities
56,563
56,141
Long-term debt
645,040
649,023
Deferred tax liabilities
3,636
3,016
Related Party payable pursuant to Tax Receivable Agreement
172,390
185,496
Other liabilities
1,798
1,694
Total liabilities
879,427
895,370
Contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity (Notes 1 and 9):
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 2,000,000,000 shares authorized,662,479,324and 660,731,935 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
662
671
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; 25,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
325,288
316,489
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(985)
1,365
Retained earnings
554,765
526,443
Total stockholders’ equity
879,730
844,968
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,759,157
$
1,740,338
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts, percentages and as otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Olaplex Holdings, Inc. (“Olaplex Holdings” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated on June 8, 2021. Olaplex Holdings is organized as a holding company and operates indirectly through Olaplex, Inc., its wholly owned indirect subsidiary, which conducts business under the name “Olaplex”. Olaplex is an innovative, science-enabled, technology-driven beauty company that is focused on delivering its patent-protected prestige hair care products to professional hair salons, retailers and everyday consumers. Olaplex develops, manufactures and distributes a line of hair care products developed to address three key uses: treatment, maintenance and protection.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements furnished reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year. The unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes included in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Estimates and Assumptions
Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Examples of estimates and assumptions include: for revenue recognition, determining the nature and timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, variable consideration, and other obligations such as product returns, allowance for promotions, and refunds; loss contingencies; the fair value of share-based options and stock settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”); the fair value of and/or potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets for the Company’s reporting unit; the fair value of the Company’s Interest Rate Caps (as defined below in “Note 5 - Fair Value Measurement”); useful lives of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets; estimated income tax expense and tax payments; future payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement; and the net realizable value of, and demand for the Company’s inventory. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements established a framework for measuring fair value and established a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:
Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of its marketable securities.
Level 2—Observable quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and observable quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity. The Company’s long-term debt is recorded at its carrying value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, which may differ from fair value. The Company’s Interest Rate Caps are recorded at their Level 2 fair values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes in significant accounting policies as described in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Constructive Retirement of Common Stock Repurchases
When the Company's common stock is retired or purchased for constructive retirement for net share settlement of stock options, any excess purchase price over par value is allocated between additional paid-in-capital, to the extent that previous net gains from sales or retirements are included therein, and the remainder to retained earnings.
Tax Receivable Agreement
In connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Company entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement under which the Company will be required to pay to the Pre-IPO Stockholders 85% of the federal, state or local tax cash savings that the Company actually realizes on its taxable income following the IPO, as a result of the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized transaction costs that existed as of the date of the IPO. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, generally the Company will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings.
The Tax Receivable Agreement liability is calculated based on current tax laws and the assumption that the Company and its subsidiaries will earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Updates to the Company’s blended state tax rate, allocation of U.S. versus foreign sourced income and changes in tax rules on the amortization and depreciation of assets may significantly impact the established liability, and changes to that established liability would be recorded to other income (expense) in the period the Company made the determination regarding the applicable change. The Company expects that future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement relating to the Pre-IPO Tax Assets could aggregate to $185.4 millionover the 11-year remaining period under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which began in the year ended December 31, 2022, are not conditioned upon the parties’ continued ownership of equity in the Company.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company expects this update to impact its disclosures in the notes to its financial statements but does not anticipate any effect on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”, which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). This update also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company expects this update to impact its disclosures in the notes to its financial statements but does not anticipate any effect on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
In March 2024, the SEC adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. This rule will require registrants to disclose certain climate-related information in annual reports. On April 4, 2024, the SEC determined to voluntarily stay the final rules pending completion of a judicial review of certain legal challenges. The Company is currently evaluating the final rule to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts presented have been reclassified within the “Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income” to conform with the current period presentation, including a prior year reclassification from Interest expense, net to Interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The reclassifications occurred as a result of an increase in the significance of the current year amount. The reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results, financial condition or cash flows.
NOTE 3 – NET SALES
The Company distributes products in the U.S. and internationally through professional distributors in salons, directly to retailers for sale in their physical stores and e-commerce sites, and direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) through sales to third-party e-commerce customers and through its own Olaplex.com website. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company’s net sales by its three business channels, professional, specialty retail and DTC, were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales by Channel:
Professional
$
42,198
$
48,289
$
114,360
$
137,626
Specialty retail
42,607
43,159
113,463
107,785
DTC
34,275
32,107
94,106
101,172
Total net sales
$
119,080
$
123,555
$
321,929
$
346,583
Net sales by major geographic region is based on the shipping address on record for the customer purchasing the Company’s products. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company’s net sales to consumers in the United States and International regions were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales by Geography:
United States
$
59,839
$
61,880
$
162,435
$
159,641
International
59,241
61,675
159,494
186,942
Total net sales
$
119,080
$
123,555
$
321,929
$
346,583
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, U.S. net sales included approximately $3.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, of net sales to customers with U.S. shipping addresses who the Company expects will ultimately sell such products in international jurisdictions.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, U.S net sales included approximately $4.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively, of net sales to customers with U.S. shipping addresses who the Company expects will ultimately sell such products in international jurisdictions.
No international country exceeded 10% of total net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Despite our customers’ geographic location, the majority of net sales are transacted in U.S. Dollars, the Company’s functional and reporting currency.
Inventory as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Raw materials
$
22,964
$
30,306
Finished goods
62,943
65,616
Inventory
$
85,907
$
95,922
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded inventory write-offs of $0.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, due to reserves for product obsolescence.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded inventory write-offs of $3.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively, due to reserves for product obsolescence.
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Fair value measurements are established utilizing a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; Level 2, defined as observable quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and observable quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of its marketable securities. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
On August 11, 2022, the Company entered into an interest rate cap transaction (the “2022 Interest Rate Cap”) in connection with the 2022 Term Loan Facility, with a notional amount of $400 million. The 2022 Interest Rate Cap expired on July 31, 2024.
In advance of the expiration of the 2022 Interest Rate Cap, on May 7, 2024, the Company entered into a second interest rate cap transaction (the “2024 Interest Rate Cap” and, together with the 2022 Interest Rate Cap, the “Interest Rate Caps”) in connection with the 2022 Term Loan Facility, with a notional amount of $400 million. The 2024 Interest Rate Cap expires on July 31, 2026.
The 2024 Interest Rate Cap asset is, and the 2022 Interest Rate Cap was, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value the Interest Rate Caps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with the Interest Rate Caps utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. The Company has determined that the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to the Interest Rate Caps were not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, the 2024 Interest Rate Cap as of September 30, 2024 and the 2022 Interest Rate Cap as of December 31, 2023 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and subject to fair value disclosure requirements at September 30, 2024 were as follows:
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Other assets
2024 Interest Rate Cap
$
142
$
—
$
142
$
—
The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and subject to fair value disclosure requirements at December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were comprised of the following:
September 30, 2024
Estimated Useful Life
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying
Amount
Brand name
25 years
$
952,000
$
(180,034)
$
771,966
Product formulations
15 years
136,500
(42,906)
93,594
Customer relationships
20 years
53,000
(12,530)
40,470
Software
3-15 years
9,054
(3,607)
5,447
Total finite-lived intangibles
1,150,554
(239,077)
911,477
Goodwill
Indefinite
168,300
—
168,300
Total goodwill and other intangibles
$
1,318,854
$
(239,077)
$
1,079,777
December 31, 2023
Estimated Useful Life
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying
Amount
Brand name
25 years
$
952,000
$
(151,475)
$
800,525
Product formulations
15 years
136,500
(36,082)
100,418
Customer relationships
20 years
53,000
(10,541)
42,459
Software
3 years
5,660
(1,348)
4,312
Total finite-lived intangibles
1,147,160
(199,446)
947,714
Goodwill
Indefinite
168,300
—
168,300
Total goodwill and other intangibles
$
1,315,460
$
(199,446)
$
1,116,014
The amortization of the Company’s brand name, customer relationships and software is recorded to Amortization of other intangible assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. A portion of Amortization of patented formulations is capitalized to Inventory in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the remainder is recorded to Amortization of patented formulations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Amortization of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Amortization of patented formulations
$
2,565
$
2,592
$
7,054
$
6,298
Amortization expense, brand name and customer relationships
$
10,183
$
10,179
$
30,548
$
30,547
Amortization expense, software
599
199
2,259
478
Amortization of other intangible assets
$
10,782
$
10,378
$
32,807
$
31,025
Amortization of patented formulations capitalized to inventory
The Company’s Long-Term Debt as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Long-term debt
Credit Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2022 (the “2022 Credit Agreement”)
$675 Million 7-Year Senior Secured Term Loan Facility (the “2022 Term Loan Facility”)
$
658,125
$
663,188
$150 Million 5-Year Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the “2022 Revolver”)(1)
—
—
Debt issuance costs
(6,335)
(7,415)
Total term loan debt
651,790
655,773
Less: Current portion
(6,750)
(6,750)
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs and current portion
$
645,040
$
649,023
(1) As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have outstanding amounts drawn on the 2022 Revolver, including letters of credit and swingline loan sub-facilities. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $150 million of available borrowing capacity under the 2022 Revolver.
The interest rate on outstanding debt under the 2022 Term Loan Facility was 8.4% per annum as of September 30, 2024. The interest rates for all facilities under the 2022 Credit Agreement are calculated based upon the Company’s election among (a) an adjusted term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) (subject to a 0.50% floor with respect to the 2022 Term Loan Facility, and a 0% floor with respect to the 2022 Revolver) plus an additional interest rate spread, (b) with respect to a borrowing in Euros under the 2022 Revolver, a euro interbank offered rate (subject to a 0% floor) plus an additional interest rate spread, or (c) an “Alternate Base Rate” (as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement) (subject to a 1.50% floor with respect to the 2022 Term Loan Facility, and a 1.00% floor with respect to the 2022 Revolver) plus an additional interest rate spread.
Interest expense, inclusive of debt amortization, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $15.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $44.7 million and $43.3 million, respectively.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on the market value of its long-term debt instrument. Based on the inputs used to value the long-term debt, the Company’s long-term debt is categorized within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 30, 2024, the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt under the 2022 Credit Agreement was $651.8 million, and the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $626.9 million. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt under the 2022 Credit Agreement was $655.8 million, and the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $615.1 million.
The 2022 Credit Agreement includes, among other things, customary negative and affirmative covenants (including reporting, financial and maintenance covenants) and events of default (including a change of control) for facilities of this type. In addition, the 2022 Credit Agreement includes a springing first lien leverage ratio financial covenant, which is applicable only to the lenders under the 2022 Revolver. The Company was in compliance with these affirmative and negative covenants on September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The 2022 Term Loan Facility and the 2022 Revolver are secured by substantially all of the assets of Olaplex, Inc. and the other guarantors, subject to certain exceptions and thresholds.
Interest Rate Cap Transactions
The Company’s results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement, including the 2022 Term Loan Facility. The Company may, from time to time, utilize interest rate derivatives in an effort to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. See further discussion in “Note 5 - Fair Value Measurement”.
The Company performed an initial effectiveness assessment on the Interest Rate Caps and determined each to be an effective hedge of the cash flows related to the interest rate payments on the 2022 Term Loan Facility. The hedge is evaluated qualitatively on a quarterly basis for effectiveness. For derivatives designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into Interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings, as documented at hedge inception in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election. Payments of the up-front premiums of the Interest Rate Caps are included within other current assets and other assets and liabilities within cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s Interest Rate Caps generated an unrecognized pre-tax loss of $1.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the same periods, the Company also recognized a $0.7 million and $3.4 million reduction, respectively, in interest expense related to the Company’s receipt of funds as a result of the interest rate cap settlements with the Company’s counterparty with respect to the Interest Rate Caps, partially offset by $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively,of interest expense related to amortization of the interest rate cap premiums paid by the Company in connection with the Interest Rate Caps.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s 2022 Interest Rate Cap generated an unrecognized pre-tax loss of $0.7 million and a gain of $0.3 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the same periods, the Company also recognized a $1.3 million and a $2.8 million reduction, respectively, in interest expense related the Company’s receipt of funds as a result of the interest rate cap settlements with the Company’s counterparty, partially offset by $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to amortization of the interest rate cap premium paid by the Company in connection with the 2022 Interest Rate Cap.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, nor does it hold or issue leveraged derivative instruments. By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to interest rate fluctuations, the Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk. The Company manages exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments with highly rated institutions that can be expected to fully perform under the terms of the applicable contracts.
NOTE 9 – EQUITY
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued 1,747,389shares of its common stock, of which 297,945 shares were issued as a result of stock options exercised and 1,449,444 shares were issued upon vesting of restricted stock units.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 109,620 shares of its common stock upon vesting and settlement of net stock-settled SARs. The Company withheld 83,501 of such shares of its common stock for the net settlement payment of exercise price and taxes related to such SARs.
Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 4,606,867 shares of its common stock as a result of stock options exercised.
NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In August 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Pacvue Corporation, an e-commerce advertising and software company, in which certain investment funds affiliated with Advent International L.P., the holder of a majority of the Company’s common stock (collectively the “Advent Funds”), hold a greater than 10% equity interest. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, payments to Pacvue Corporation were de minimis and $0.3 million, respectively. No payments were made to Pacvue Corporation during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
In connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Company entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Stockholders. See further discussion in “Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Tax Receivable Agreement”. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company made payments of $0.2 million and $12.8 million, respectively, as required pursuant to the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company did not make any payments pursuant to the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company made payments of $16.6 millionas required pursuant to the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company cannot predict with reasonable assurance the outcome of these legal actions brought against the Company as they are subject to uncertainties. Accordingly, any settlement or resolution in these legal actions may occur and affect the Company’s net income in such period as the settlement or resolution.
Pending Legal Proceedings:
On November 17, 2022, a putative securities class action was filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, captioned Lilien v. Olaplex Holdings, Inc. et al., No. 2:22-cv-08395. A consolidated complaint was filed on April 28, 2023, which names as additional defendants the underwriters for the Company’s IPO and various stockholders that sold shares of common stock of the Company in the IPO. The action is brought on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of the Company’s common stock in or traceable to the Company’s IPO and asserts claims under Sections 11, 12, and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. The action seeks certification of the putative class, compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief that the court determines is appropriate. The defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated complaint on July 19, 2023. The court held hearings on the defendants’ motions to dismiss on October 16, 2023 and July 1, 2024. A decision has yet to be issued. On August 23, 2024, the court issued an order staying this action pending the United States Supreme Court’s resolution of the appeal in Facebook, Inc., et al. v. Amalgamated Bank, et al., No. 23-980. The underwriter defendants have notified the Company of their intent to seek indemnification from the Company pursuant to the IPO underwriting agreement regarding the claims asserted in this action. The Company intends to vigorously defend the pending lawsuit.
On November 15, 2023, a purported derivative action was filed against the Company, Advent International Corporation, and certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, captioned Ciuffo v. Dagousset, et al., No. 2:23-cv-09712-SVW-SK. This action is premised on allegations similar to those asserted in the Lilien federal securities litigation. On February 1, 2024, the parties filed a joint stipulation to stay the purported derivative action pending a decision on the motions to dismiss filed in the Lilien federal securities action.
On March 22, 2024, a second purported derivative action was filed against the Company, Advent International Corporation, and certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, captioned Hutchinson v. Advent International Corporation, et al., No. 2:24-cv-02364. This action is premised on allegations similar to those asserted in the Lilien federal securities litigation and in the Ciuffo federal derivative action. On April 19, 2024, the parties in both purported derivative actions filed a joint stipulation to consolidate the two derivative actions and to stay proceedings in the consolidated case, which the court granted on June 26, 2024.
On February 9, 2023, twenty-eight plaintiffs filed Albahae, et al. v. Olaplex Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 2:23-cv-00982, a complaint alleging personal and economic injury and asserting claims for breach of warranty, negligence/gross negligence, products liability, unjust enrichment, and violations of California False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law, against the Company and Cosway Company, Inc., the Company’s primary contract manufacturer, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On March 2, 2023, the plaintiffs amended the complaint to include seventy-three additional plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege that certain ingredients used in some Company products have purportedly caused irritation or posed a hazard to consumers, and that the Company engaged in misrepresentation with respect to those products. The plaintiffs seek actual and consequential damages, punitive damages, restitution in the form of disgorgement of profits, attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief that the court determines is appropriate. On April 17, 2023, the Company moved to dismiss and to sever the plaintiffs’ claims. On July 11, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s motion to sever and dismissed all but the first named plaintiff. The Court also dismissed the operative complaint with leave to re-file on the grounds that it now contained allegations that were not relevant to the claims of the one, remaining plaintiff. On July 24, 2023, the remaining plaintiff filed a notice, voluntarily dismissing her claims without prejudice. As of the date of issuance of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, none of the plaintiffs have re-filed their claims.
Any potential loss associated with these pending legal proceedings is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company was not subject to any other currently pending legal matters or claims that could have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows should such litigation be resolved unfavorably.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income per common share computations:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Numerator:
Net income
$
14,797
$
20,366
$
28,322
$
47,486
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
662,248,231
654,702,392
661,586,351
653,603,665
Dilutive common equivalent shares from common stock equivalents
3,903,128
24,055,628
3,136,950
27,485,878
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
666,151,359
678,758,020
664,723,301
681,089,543
Net income per share:
Basic
$
0.02
$
0.03
$
0.04
$
0.07
Diluted
$
0.02
$
0.03
$
0.04
$
0.07
The shares of the Company’s common stock underlying stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and SARs that were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive were as follows:
ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2023 Form 10-K.
Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the section “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report and in “Item 1A. - Risk Factors” in the 2023 Form 10-K.
Company Overview
OLAPLEX is an innovative, science-enabled, technology-driven beauty company. Since our inception in 2014, we have focused on delivering effective, patent-protected and proven performance in the prestige hair care category.
OLAPLEX disrupted and revolutionized the prestige hair care category by creating the bond-building space in 2014. We have grown from an initial assortment of three products sold exclusively through the professional channel to a broader suite of products offered through the professional, specialty retail and DTC channels that have been strategically developed to address three key uses: treatment, maintenance and protection. Our patent-protected bond-building technologies relink disulfide bonds in human hair that are destroyed via chemical, thermal, mechanical, environmental and aging processes. Our current product portfolio is comprised of twenty-two unique and complementary products.
The strength of our business model and ability to scale have created a compelling financial profile. We have developed a synergistic omnichannel model that leverages the strength of each of our channels and our strong digital capabilities that we apply across our sales platforms. Our professional channel serves as the foundation for our brand. Through this channel, professional hairstylists introduce consumers to our products and, we believe, influence consumer purchasing decisions. Our specialty retail channel works to increase awareness of, and education for, our products and expand consumer penetration. Our DTC channel, comprised of Olaplex.com and sales through third-party e-commerce platforms, also provides us with the opportunity to engage directly with our consumers to provide powerful feedback that drives decisions we make around new product development.
StrategicPillars
We are focused on executing against our key strategic pillars that we believe will support our long-term growth. These include igniting our global brand, disrupting with innovation, amplifying channel coverage and charting new geographies. These key strategic pillars are supported by our efforts to build capabilities and infrastructure that we believe will enable our aspirations.
Igniting our Global Brand
We believe we have built one of the most powerful brands in the prestige hair care category. We plan to continue growing awareness of our global brand, in an effort to deepen connections with existing customers as well as reach new audiences. We will also continue to invest in enhancing our brand equity. Our marketing model remains focused on implementing high return on investment, performance marketing activities aimed at fueling growth. Key levers of our marketing include organic social media activations, strategic paid media, education and training regarding our brand, community engagement with our professional hairstylists, influencer partnerships, and retailer activations such as sampling and in-store events.
Disrupting with Innovation
We believe we have a strong pipeline of disruptive innovation that leverages our science-based technology and patented ingredients. We plan to launch two-to-four products annually over the next three years. To support this pipeline, we intend to continue to invest in research and development to strengthen our internal innovation capabilities. We recently entered into hair care adjacent categories and remain excited about the opportunity to further grow where our technology can serve as a foundation for entry that we believe is supported by consumer trust in our brand.
In our professional channel, we have undertaken efforts to support and reassert strong relationships with the professional hairstylist community and maintain brand awareness by increasing our field support efforts, deepening partnerships with distributors and customers, and refreshing educational content. We are also pursuing opportunities to further penetrate premium and prestige salons. In specialty retail, we are enhancing visual merchandising in stores, investing in brand store pages online and deploying targeted communications intended to enable new customer acquisition. For our DTC business, we are evolving the digital experiences on Olaplex.com and third party e-commerce websites. On Olaplex.com, we expect to continue to invest in site enhancements and more advanced personalization efforts.
Charting New Geographies
We believe there is substantial opportunity to grow globally. Our priority international regions are currently key markets in Europe and Asia. Across Europe and other regions, we aim to implement our business model by first establishing a strong professional channel and then complementing that channel through entry into specialty retail and DTC. In Asia, we intend to partner with distributors in the region that will support omni-channel distribution and sales for our brand.
Supporting our Strategic Pillars
To enable these key growth pillars, we intend to continue to build our capabilities and infrastructure. These efforts extend across our organization, including focusing on cultivating top talent and building a strong corporate culture, evolving our operational capabilities as we scale, creating a strong financial foundation for growth, and ensuring that we have the right organizational infrastructure, technology and data to support our growth.
Business Environment & Trends
We continue to monitor the effects of the global macro-economic environment, including the risk of recession, inflationary pressures, competitive products and discounting, currency volatility, high interest rates, social and political issues, geopolitical tensions and regulatory matters. We also are mindful of inflationary pressures on our consumers, and are monitoring the impact that increasing inflationary pressures may have on consumer spending and preferences and inventory rebalancing at our customers in an increasingly competitive industry.
Competition in the beauty industry is based on a variety of factors, including innovation, product efficacy, accessible pricing, brand recognition and loyalty, service to the consumer, promotional activities, advertising, special events, new product introductions, e-commerce initiatives, sustainability and other activities. We have seen increased competitive activity including discounting in the prestige hair care category, which may continue in a heightened inflationary environment. We believe we have a well-recognized and strong reputation in our core markets and that the quality and performance of our products, our emphasis on innovation, and our engagement with our professional and consumer communities position us to compete effectively.
•Net sales decreased 3.6% from $123.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $119.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net sales in our professional channel decreased 12.6%, our specialty retail channel decreased 1.3% and our DTC channel increased 6.8%, in each case as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.
•Gross profit margin increased from 67.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 68.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in write-offs for product obsolescence, partially offset by an expansion of our customer sampling program, as well as product mix and channel mix in the three months ended September 30, 2024.
•Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased by 14.8%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily as a result of higher non-payroll related advertising and marketing expenses, distribution and fulfillment costs and technology investments in the three months ended September 30, 2024.
•Operating income decreased from $36.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $28.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.
•Net income decreased from $20.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $14.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Year to Date 2024 Financial Summary
•Net sales decreased 7.1% from $346.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $321.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net sales in our professional channel decreased 16.9%, our specialty retail channel increased 5.3% and our DTC channel decreased 7.0%, in each case as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
•Gross profit margin increased from 69.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 70.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in write-offs for product obsolescence, partially offset by product and channel mix.
•Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased by 7.2%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily as a result of higher payroll costs due to workforce expansion and merit increases, non-payroll related advertising and marketing expenses, distribution and fulfillment costs and technology investments, partially offset by lower legal and professional fees in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
•Operating income decreased from $91.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $63.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
•Net income decreased from $47.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $28.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
We distribute products in the U.S. and internationally through professional distributors in salons, directly to retailers for sale in their physical stores and e-commerce sites, and DTC through sales to third party e-commerce customers and through our Olaplex.com website. As such, net sales by our three business channels consisting of professional, specialty retail and DTC for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales by Channel:
Professional
$
42,198
$
48,289
$
(6,091)
(12.6)
%
Specialty retail
42,607
43,159
(552)
(1.3)
%
DTC
34,275
32,107
2,168
6.8
%
Total Net sales
$
119,080
$
123,555
$
(4,475)
(3.6)
%
Total net sales decreased 3.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily attributed to a lower level of demand. This decline was partially offset by our launch of Browbond® Building Serum in March 2024 and the launches of No. 5 Leave-In™ Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner, No. 10 Bond Shaper™ Curl Defining Gel and Bond Shaper™ Curl Rebuilding Treatment in the three months ended September 30, 2024, as well as the impact of new customers within each channel. Net sales declined in the United States and certain markets in Western Europe, partially offset by increases in Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
$ Change
% Change
2024
2023
Cost of sales
$
37,346
$
40,007
$
(2,661)
(6.7)
%
Gross profit
$
81,734
$
83,548
$
(1,814)
(2.2)
%
Cost of sales decreased primarily due to a decrease in product sales and a decrease in write-offs for product obsolescence in the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company recorded $0.5 million in inventory write-offs during the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to $3.6 million recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The cost of sales decline was partially offset by an expansion of our customer sampling program, as well as product mix and channel mix in the three months ended September 30, 2024.
As a result of the activity described above, our gross profit margin increased from 67.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 68.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Operating Expenses
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
42,956
$
36,433
$
6,523
17.9
%
Amortization of other intangible assets
10,782
10,378
404
3.9
%
Total operating expenses
$
53,738
$
46,811
$
6,927
14.8
%
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by an increase of $5.3 million in non-payroll related advertising and marketing expenses, $0.6 million in distribution and fulfillment costs and $0.4 million in technology investments during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased as compared to the previous year due to fluctuations in interest rates. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized a $0.7 million reduction in interest expense related to the Company’s receipt of funds as a result of the interest rate cap settlements with respect to the Interest Rate Caps as compared to a $1.3 million reduction in the three months ended September 30, 2023 with respect to the 2022 Interest Rate Cap.
See “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources – 2022 Credit Facility” for additional information on our outstanding debt.
Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased as compared to the previous year due to additional investments driven by an increase in cash and cash equivalents throughout the year.
Other Income (Expense), Net
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Other income (expense), net
$
670
$
(970)
$
1,640
169.1
%
Other income (expense), net increased primarily due to foreign currency transactions gains driven by the performance of the U.S. dollar.
Income Tax Provision
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Income tax provision
$
4,864
$
5,891
$
(1,027)
(17.4)
%
Our effective tax rate increased to 24.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to 22.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 is primarily due to the unfavorable impact of non-deductible stock compensation and interest associated with income taxes, partially offset by the impact of increased foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”) deduction, which results in income from the Company’s sales to foreign customers being taxed at a lower effective tax rate, and the effect of those items on the lower book income in the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of non-deductible stock compensation, the effect of state income taxes, and interest associated with income taxes, partially offset by the FDII deduction. Our effective tax rate in the three months ended September 30, 2023 was higher than the statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the FDII deduction.
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
The following table sets forth our consolidated results for each of the periods presented:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
% of net sales
(in thousands)
% of net sales
Net sales
$
321,929
100.0
%
$
346,583
100.0
%
Cost of sales:
Cost of product (excluding amortization)
89,361
27.8
98,431
28.4
Amortization of patented formulations
7,054
2.2
6,298
1.8
Total cost of sales
96,415
29.9
104,729
30.2
Gross profit
225,514
70.1
241,854
69.8
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative
128,816
40.0
119,770
34.6
Amortization of other intangible assets
32,807
10.2
31,025
9.0
Total operating expenses
161,623
50.2
150,795
43.5
Operating income
63,891
19.8
91,059
26.3
Interest expense
(44,708)
(13.9)
(43,283)
(12.5)
Interest income
19,067
5.9
13,024
3.8
Other income (expense), net
(541)
(0.2)
(1,328)
(0.4)
Income before provision for income taxes
37,709
11.7
59,472
17.2
Income tax provision
9,387
2.9
11,986
3.5
Net income
$
28,322
8.8
$
47,486
13.7
Net Sales
Net sales by channel for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Net sales by Channel:
Professional
$
114,360
$
137,626
$
(23,266)
(16.9)
%
Specialty retail
113,463
107,785
5,678
5.3
%
DTC
94,106
101,172
(7,066)
(7.0)
%
Total Net sales
$
321,929
$
346,583
$
(24,654)
(7.1)
%
Total net sales decreased 7.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily attributed to a lower level of demand. This decline was partially offset by our launches of Browbond® Building Serum, No. 5 Leave-In™ Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner, No. 10 Bond Shaper™ Curl Defining Gel and Bond Shaper™ Curl Rebuilding Treatment, as well as the impact of new customers within each channel. Net sales declined primarily in certain markets in Western Europe, partially offset by increases in the United States, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Cost of sales decreased primarily due to a decrease in product sales and a decrease in write-off for product obsolescence in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company recorded $3.0 million in inventory write-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to $9.8 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The cost of sales decline was partially offset by product and channel mix in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
As a result of the activity described above, our gross profit margin increased from 69.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 70.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Operating Expenses
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
128,816
$
119,770
$
9,046
7.6
%
Amortization of other intangible assets
32,807
31,025
1,782
5.7
%
Total operating expenses
$
161,623
$
150,795
$
10,828
7.2
%
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by an increase of $5.3 million in payroll costs driven by workforce expansion and merit increases, $2.9 million in non-payroll related advertising and marketing expenses, $2.8 million in distribution and fulfillment costs and $1.7 million in technology investments, partially offset by a decrease of $6.1 million in legal and professional fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Interest Expense, Net
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Interest expense
$
(44,708)
$
(43,283)
$
(1,425)
3.3
%
Interest income
$
19,067
$
13,024
$
6,043
46.4
%
Interest expense, net
$
(25,641)
$
(30,259)
$
4,618
(15.3)
%
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased as compared to the previous year due to fluctuations in interest rates. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources Requirements – 2022 Credit Facility” for additional information on our outstanding debt.
Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased as compared to the previous year due to additional investments driven by an increase in cash and cash equivalents throughout the year.
Other Income (Expense), Net
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Other income (expense), net
$
(541)
$
(1,328)
$
787
59.3
%
Other income (expense), net increased primarily due to foreign currency transaction gains driven by the performance of the U.S. dollar.
Our effective tax rate increased to 24.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to 20.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is primarily due to the unfavorable impact of non-deductible stock compensation and interest associated with income taxes, partially offset by increased FDII deduction, compared to a tax benefit from stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of non-deductible stock compensation, the effect of state income taxes, and interest associated with income taxes, partially offset by the FDII deduction. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was lower than the statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to the benefit associated with the FDII deduction, as well as a tax benefit from stock option exercises. These benefits were partially offset by the net impact of state income taxes.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary recurring source of cash is the collection of proceeds from the sale of our products to our customers, including cash periodically collected in advance of delivery or performance.
Our primary use of cash is for working capital and payment of our operating costs, which consist primarily of employee-related expenses as well as general operating expenses for marketing, fulfillment costs of customer orders, overhead costs, innovation, capital expenditures and debt servicing. We also utilize cash for strategic investments. Fluctuations in working capital are primarily caused by customer demand of our product, timing of when a retailer rearranges or restocks our products, timing of inventory purchases, and timing of our payables and expenses. Capital expenditures typically vary and are currently limited, and future capital expenditure requirements depend on strategic initiatives selected for the fiscal year, including investments in infrastructure, expansion into new national and international distributors and expansion of our customer base.
A considerable portion of our operating income is related to sales to customers outside of the U.S.; however, the majority of our bank deposits are held within the U.S.
As of September 30, 2024, we had $538.8 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, as of September 30, 2024, we had borrowing capacity of $150.0 million under the 2022 Revolver, plus $74.3 million of working capital excluding cash and cash equivalents for a combined liquidity position of $763.1 million.
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
93,410
$
128,497
Investing activities
(3,369)
(2,902)
Financing activities
(17,612)
(18,817)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
72,429
$
106,778
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $93.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily reflecting our net income of $28.3 million, net of non-cash cost items and changes in operating working capital. Non-cash adjustments were primarily driven by amortization of other intangibles of $32.8 million, share-based compensation expense of $8.6 million and amortization of patent formulations of $7.1 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities increased cash provided by operating activities by $8.9 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $128.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily reflecting our net income of $47.5 million, net of non-cash cost items and changes in operating working capital. Non-cash adjustments were primarily driven by amortization of other intangibles of $31.0 million, inventory write-off and disposals of $9.8 million, share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million and amortization of patent formulations of $6.3 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities increased cash provided by operating activities by $21.7 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, reflecting investments of $2.7 million primarily related to the development of internal-use software and purchases of property and equipment of $0.7 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily reflecting investments of $2.2 million primarily related to the development of internal-use software, purchases of intangible assets of $0.5 million and purchases of property and equipment of $0.2 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily consisting of $12.8 million of payments pursuant to our Tax Receivable Agreement and $5.1 million of principal payments for the 2022 Term Loan Facility.
Net cash used in financing activities was $18.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily consisting of $16.5 million of payments pursuant to our Tax Receivable Agreement and $6.8 million of principal payments for the 2022 Term Loan Facility partially offset by proceeds of $4.4 million from stock option exercises.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Requirements
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash, cash equivalents and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet anticipated operating costs, required payments of principal and interest, working capital needs, ordinary course capital expenditures, and other commitments for at least the next 12 months.
If necessary, we may borrow funds under our 2022 Revolver to finance our liquidity requirements, subject to customary borrowing conditions. To the extent additional funds are necessary to meet our long-term liquidity needs as we continue to execute our business strategy, we anticipate that they will be obtained through the incurrence of additional indebtedness, equity financings or a combination of these potential sources of funds; however, such financing may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Our ability to meet our operating, investing and financing needs depends, to a significant extent, on our future financial performance, which will be subject in part to general economic, competitive, financial, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including those described in “Item 1A. - Risk Factors” in our 2023 Form 10-K. In addition to these general economic and industry factors, the principal factors in determining whether our cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements will be our ability to continue providing innovative products to our customers and consumers and manage production and our supply chain.
2022 Credit Facility
As of September 30, 2024, we had outstanding indebtedness under the 2022 Credit Agreement of $658.1 million, of which $6.8 million was classified as current. As of September 30, 2024, we had $150.0 million of available borrowing capacity under the 2022 Revolver.
The interest rate on outstanding amounts under the 2022 Term Loan Facility was 8.4% per annum as of September 30, 2024. We have not drawn on the 2022 Revolver as of September 30, 2024. The 2022 Term Loan Facility is repayable in mandatory quarterly installments equal to $1.6 million, with the balance payable at maturity. The maturity date of the 2022 Term Loan Facility is February 23, 2029, and the maturity date of the 2022 Revolver is February 23, 2027.
The 2022 Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to (subject to certain exceptions) pay dividends and distributions or repurchase its capital stock, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations and sell or otherwise dispose of assets. The 2022 Credit Agreement also includes reporting, financial and maintenance covenants, including a springing first lien leverage ratio financial covenant. The Company was in compliance with these affirmative and negative covenants on September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Substantially all the assets of the Company constitute collateral under the 2022 Credit Agreement.
On August 11, 2022, we entered into the 2022 Interest Rate Cap in connection with the 2022 Term Loan Facility, with a notional amount of $400.0 million, in order to limit our exposure to potential increases in future interest rates related to the 2022 Term Loan Facility. The 2022 Interest Rate Cap expired on July 31, 2024.
On May 7, 2024, in advance of the expiration of the 2022 Interest Rate Cap, we entered into the 2024 Interest Rate Cap in connection with the 2022 Term Loan Facility, with a notional amount of $400.0 million, amortizing to $200.0 million on August 29, 2025. The 2024 Interest Rate Cap expires on July 31, 2026. We have designated the Interest Rate Caps as cash-flow hedges for accounting purposes.
See “Note 8 - Long-Term Debt” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report for additional information.
Tax Receivable Agreement Obligations
In connection with the Reorganization Transactions, we entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement under which we will be required to pay to the Pre-IPO Stockholders 85% of the federal, state or local tax cash savings that we actually realize on our taxable income following the IPO, as a result of the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized transaction costs that existed as of the transaction date. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, generally we will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings.
The Tax Receivable Agreement liability is calculated based on current tax laws and the assumption that we and our subsidiaries will earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Updates to our blended state tax rate, allocation of U.S. versus foreign sourced income and changes in tax rules on the amortization and depreciation of assets may significantly impact the established liability and changes would be recorded to other income (expense) in the period we made the determination. We expect that future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement relating to the Pre-IPO Tax Assets could aggregate to $185.4 million over the 11-year remaining period under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which began in the year ended December 31, 2022, are not conditioned upon the parties’ continued ownership of equity in the Company.
There were no material changes to our contractual obligations since the filing of our 2023 Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on other factors that we believe to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates. We review these estimates on a periodic basis to ensure reasonableness. Although actual amounts may differ from such estimated amounts, we believe such differences are not likely to be material. For additional detail regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates, see our discussion for the year ended December 31, 2023 in the 2023 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting estimates in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions in the normal course of our business. This includes risk associated with interest rates, our interest rate cap transactions, inflation and foreign exchange.
Interest Rate Risk
Our results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement. Our borrowings bear interest at a variable rate; therefore, we are exposed to market risks relating to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes generally affect the amount of our interest payments and, therefore, our future earnings and cash flows. As of September 30, 2024, we had $658.1 million of outstanding variable rate loans under the 2022 Term Loan Facility. Based on our September 30, 2024 variable rate loan balances, an increase or decrease of 1% in the effective interest rate would cause an increase or decrease in interest cost of approximately $6.6 million over the next 12 months.
Interest Rate Cap
On May 7, 2024, we entered into the 2024 Interest Rate Cap in connection with the 2022 Term Loan Facility, as more fully described in “Note 5 - Fair Value Measurement” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report. We use the 2024 Interest Rate Cap to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. The fair value of the 2024 Interest Rate Cap is measured at the end of each reporting period using observable inputs other than quoted prices. The fair value of the 2024 Interest Rate Cap recorded in other assets at September 30, 2024 was $0.1 million. A hypothetical 50 basis point increase in interest rates would result in an increase to the fair value of the 2024 Interest Rate Cap of approximately $0.3 million. A hypothetical 50 basis point decrease in interest rates would result in a decrease to the fair value of the 2024 Interest Rate Cap of approximately $0.1 million.
Inflation
Inflationary factors such as increases in the cost to produce our products and overhead costs have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our operating results. Sustained increases in warehousing costs, transportation costs, wages and raw material costs, or other inflationary pressures in the future, may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross profit margin if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs, or if we cannot identify other cost efficiencies.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Our reporting currency, including our U.K. foreign subsidiary, Olaplex UK Limited, is the U.S. dollar. Gains or losses due to transactions in foreign currencies are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income under the line-item Other income (expense), net. We have not engaged in the hedging of foreign currency transactions to date, although we may choose to do so in the future. We do not believe that an immediate 10% increase or decrease in the relative value of the U.S. dollar to other currencies would have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well-designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We have, and may in the future, from time to time, become involved in litigation or other legal proceedings incidental to our business, including litigation related to intellectual property, regulatory matters, contract, advertising and other consumer claims. In addition, we believe that protecting our intellectual property is essential to our business and we have in the past, and may in the future, become involved in proceedings to enforce our rights. Regardless of outcome, litigation (including the litigation referenced below) can have an adverse impact on our reputation, financial condition and business, including by utilizing our resources and potentially diverting the attention of our management from the operation of our business.
For detail on certain legal proceedings, see “Note 11 - Contingencies - Pending Legal Proceedings” included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves risks. For a detailed discussion of the risks that affect our business please refer to “Item 1A. – Risk Factors” in the 2023 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a)On November 5, 2024, the Board of Directors of Olaplex Holdings appointed Kenneth F. Egan as Interim Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, effective as of such date. Mr. Egan assumes the responsibilities of Kristi Belhumeur, who resigned from her role of Senior Vice President - Accounting of the Company, effective October 11, 2024, as previously disclosed by the Company in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on September 26, 2024.
Mr. Egan, age 54, has served as a Partner and the New York Office Managing Partner at CrossCountry Consulting LLC (“CrossCountry Consulting”), a consulting firm that focuses on corporate advisory services, since May 2022. Previously, Mr. Egan was a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, where he worked from May 1999 to March 2022.
Effective October 24, 2024, the Company entered into a Statement Of Work with CrossCountry Consulting (together with the Master Services Agreement, dated April 5, 2024, by and between the Company and CrossCountry Consulting, the “Agreement”) providing for Mr. Egan’s service as Interim Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. Under the terms of the Agreement, during his service at the Company, Mr. Egan will continue to be employed by CrossCountry Consulting and will not receive any compensation directly from the Company or participate in any of the Company’s employee benefit plans. The Company will pay a weekly fee to CrossCountry Consulting that will not exceed $15,000 per week without written approval by the Company, plus reasonable expenses.
(c)During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no director or “officer” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
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# Indicates a management contract or compensation plan, contract or arrangement.
† This certification will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference into such filing.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
OLAPLEX HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
/s/ Amanda Baldwin
November 7, 2024
Name:
Amanda Baldwin
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By:
/s/ Catherine Dunleavy
November 7, 2024
Name:
Catherine Dunleavy
Title:
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer